Find your North

Subtropical Northland or the “Far North” is a tourist mecca offering a uniquely New Zealand experience.

Immerse yourself in the regions rich history and culture while exploring the contrasting coastlines and scenic beauty along the way. Take a journey along the Twin Coast Discovery Highway which follows a circular path around the peninsular, and is the most popular way to experience the region.

Key reasons to visit.

Diving, swimming, cycling, forest walks with local Māori guides,and a chance to see two oceans collide at Cape Reinga.

Key attractions

7 days

Karikari Peninsula

Maitai Bay

Journey the sheltered coves and harbours of the East Coast; gather kaimoana, dive, swim, sail, snorkel or surf. Experience the wild west coast; shipwrecks, the solitude of empty beaches, salt spray on your face.

Coastal Walk of the North

Hokianga Harbour

No mean feat, as the taniwha (sea monsters) who guard the entrance to the harbour still, to this day, stir up the waters with their lashing tails.

The area was also one of the first points of Māori and European contact. In 1838 Bishop Pompallier held the first Catholic service near Motuti and the second largest gathering to sign the Treaty of Waitangi was at the Mangungu Wesleyan Mission.

Life takes on a slower, more laid back pace in the Hokianga – helped along by the warmth and hospitality of the locals.

Kauri Forest

Waipoua Forest

Learn of legends, gods & myths Waipoua Forest - the best preserved and largest of the remaining Kauri Forests in New Zealand. This is the domain of Tane Mahuta, the “Lord of the Forest” who at 51.5 metres is the largest (by volume) of these ancient trees. Enjoy an unforgettable guided night tour or journey back in time and follow the original stagecoach route from Paihia to Hokianga and visit Tane Mahuta.

Māori Culture

The many stories and myths that moulded this wonderful land are still being told. Whether it’s through one of the intricate bone carvings, visual shows, museums, guided night walks, the spirit of the people touches you.

Paddle a traditional waka (Māori war canoe), visit a Māori village, or share a hangi dinner. Soak in the healing waters of Ngawha Springs, a taonga, (treasure) of the North.